Dhobi Ghar, an initiative to integrate patients with mental illness in society

Kolkata, June 1: Patients with mental illness are often cast aways of the society. But here's to 'Dhobi Ghar', which shows that even they are capable of working and earning themselves.

Dhobi Ghar is an automated laundry service launched in a mental health hospital-Calcutta Pavlov Hospital. It has been inaugurated on Saturday by West Bengal's minister of Social Welfare, Shashi Panja.

Ratnaboli Ray, Founder of Anjali, which is a mental health rights organisation said, "The idea is to challenge the very notion that people with mental illness can't become workers. The work they are doing in the laundry proves they have a value-based role in life".

The program was set up by Anjali, with the support of the state government's health and family welfare department. Sparsh Foundation is a technical partner and it is enabled by the Hans Foundation.

Menawhile, Minister Panja said, "It is for empowerment and livelihood and hygiene, You won't find this anywhere in India".

OneIndia News